The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has said that the NDC will not withdraw its candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also warned the ADC Presidential Campaign Council to desist from attacks against him, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the NDC.
Kwankwaso in a statement issued Sunday said he had noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team, describing the attacks as unnecessary and unhelpful.
He added: “I have noted with deep concern the conduct of the ADC campaign team. The attacks directed at me, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are unnecessary and unhelpful,” he said.
“Rather than presenting the competence, credibility and capacity of its own candidate as the NDC has done by placing its credentials and record before Nigerians, the ADC-PCC is intent on creating mischief against the NDC ticket.”
The former Governor of Kano cited attempts to portray the NDC as working for the ruling party and suggestions that the party may withdraw from the race in favour of the ADC candidate at the last minute.
He noted: “The ADC-PCC would be better served directing its energy toward rebutting the serious allegations levelled against their candidate by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, instead of targeting me and Peter Obi.”
He warned that the ADC-PCC may attempt to mislead supporters on the eve of the election by claiming the NDC intends to step down.
“We are aware that the ADC-PCC may try to mislead our supporters on the eve of the election by claiming that we intend to withdraw in their favour. Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party. We remain confident in our capacity, competence, and readiness to lead Nigeria,” Kwankwaso insisted.
Kwankwaso stressed that the OK ticket is not working for the APC and has no plan to withdraw for any party.
According to him, The OK ticket is neither working for nor acting on behalf of the APC or any of its candidates. We see no possibility or reason to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of the ADC candidate or any other. These claims are unfounded and should be treated as such.
He added that while the APC-led government has failed Nigerians, the ADC offers no better alternative, arguing that the OK ticket presents a credible option with capacity, track record and broad support across the North and South, focused on security, education, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and the economy.
“We believe the NDC remains the most formidable and viable opposition party in the country. I therefore urge all our supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to continue working toward the victory of our great party,” Kwankwaso noted.